If the thought of having sex after childbirth makes you shudder in pain, then you are not alone. After all, having a baby is a big step, after which there are many physical changes in your body. And whether these changes are the result of a cesarean section, perineal incisions, or regular labor, returning to intimate life with your partner can take special preparation and time.
Let's face it, this decision is completely up to you and your partner. There is no certain "waiting period" before a woman can start having sex again, everything is purely individual. But doctors recommend waiting four or even six weeks.
There is a category of women for whom the risk of infection or bleeding is high. Even if it decreases a couple of weeks after giving birth, it is better to play it safe. It is recommended to be especially careful if an incision was made or a perineal rupture occurred during childbirth. In this case, the suffering can continue for several months. Until the genitals are completely healed, it is best to avoid sex. And after healing, you will need a certain time before you again decide on physical intimacy. The most important thing is to wait for the moment when you are ready, both physically and emotionally.
There are several guidelines to help you minimize the pain you may experience. Be sure to talk to your partner beforehand about any concerns. You will need his support, patience and understanding to make this moment especially enjoyable.
Get rid of the pain
If you have used mild pain relievers (that do not require a prescription) for postpartum pain, you can take them before sex. You can also take a warm bath to help you relax. If the pain and burning sensation will pester you after intercourse, the discomfort can be alleviated by applying ice wrapped in a towel (the main thing is not to overexpose, so as not to chill the genital organs).
Be creative in positioning
There are many different postures in which you can not only get rid of pain, but also get maximum pleasure. You may need to experiment with a few before you can find one that doesn't irritate sore areas and allows you to control the depth of penetration. The correct positioning will bring pleasure and relieve discomfort.
Use a lubricant
You can also thank your hormones for painful sex. Often times, changes in your body are caused by fluctuations in hormones. When this occurs postpartum, some women experience vaginal dryness. Using a lubricant can help and the sex will be more enjoyable.
Pleasure comes not only from intercourse
Don't be afraid to experiment with oral sex or hand fondling, especially if you are experiencing pain due to vaginal penetration. Who knows, it may turn out that you experience a lot of pleasure even without penetration.
Slow pace
The postpartum period is not the time for intense or aggressive sex. In the postnatal period, tenderness and affection should prevail. Don't forget about foreplay. Wait for the body to relax before it comes to penetration. If you're feeling stressed or anxious, ask your partner to caress you for a little longer.
Kegel Exercise
The postpartum period is an important time to focus on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. The muscle tone of the genitals helps to recover faster after childbirth and return to the previous rich intimate life.
